FAQ - If You Have Questions, We Have Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

HOW LONG IS A TYPICAL SHIP GIG??

Ships hire for varying lengths of time. We refer to this time period as a “ship contract”. A typical “ship contract” (Gig) lasts anywhere between 4-6 months straight. This means for 4-6 months you will be a musician earning a regular paycheck. That’s living the dream.

DO I LIVE ON THE SHIP?

yes, while under contract you will be given a cabin, with a bed, desk, closet, TV and bathroom. It's like a small hotel room.

Is There Wifi Onboard?

Yes! Each cruise line does wifi packages differently. Don't worry, you can keep in touch with family and friends anytime. There is always wifi in port as well.

WHAT ABOUT FOOD & MEALS?

The cruise ship has many venues for you to eat, For Free. The main area is called "The Mess" that's ship language for cafeteria/buffet. Most of the staff eats there, but there are other places throughout the ship where you can also eat. The ship is a floating hotel/resort, so there are many other venues where staff can eat For free!!!

WHAT CAN I DO IN MY SPARE TIME?

Remember, you are working on a floating resort, so there are pools, restaurants, clubs, gym facilities, spa, etc to enjoy on the ship. Also when the ship is in port, you can get off the ship and explore each city on your own, go to the beach or sign up to take a tour. You will be performing 6 days a week, with 1 full day off. Trust us, you will have plenty of spare time to enjoy.

HOW MUCH WILL I GET PAID?

Depending on your position, salaries range from $2,500-$4,200 U.S. Dollars per month. Some positions also allow for tipping and selling CD’s. In addition to payment the ship also provides health care for the entire duration of your contract.

HOW DO I GET PAID?

You will be paid via direct deposit straight to your bank account. Payments are usually a biweekly paid period.

IS THE SEA ROUGH, WILL I GET SICK??

The sea is almost always calm. But even if you have a day of rough seas, the ships are so big, that you usually don't really feel it. Most people get used to the movement in the first week or so and get their “sea legs”

IS IT SAFE TO BE AT SEA FOR SO LONG?

yes, life at sea is very safe. You will be given safety training on a regular basis, and before you know it, you will know all there is to know about safety & life at sea.

WHAT IS A “MEDICAL” & WHY DO I NEED IT?

Medical is just another word for Physical Exam. Since you will be on the ship for an extended period of time. We want to be sure that you are in good physical condition, with no underlying health issues. It shows that you are safely able to do the tasks required of you. Did we mention while onboard you will have health insurance covered by the ship.

THERE ARE A LOT OF PHRASES I KEEP HEARING, WHAT DO THEY MEAN??

"In Port" - this means the ship is not at sea, but docked in a city. When the ship is "in port", it means you can get off the ship and explore.

"Run" - each cruise ship has a different itinerary of cities that it will visit in a given amount of time. For example, you may be on a ship that does a 7day Caribbean "run". That means, every 7 days, new passengers come onboard, and you repeat the same "run" of cities.

"Sea day"/ "port day" - within a cruise run, there will be days when you are sailing the ocean the entire day En-route to a destination. That's called a "sea day". Once you arrive at the city, and are allowed to get off the ship, it is now a "port day".

"Debarkation" - means to exit the ship. Also called "Debark"

"Embarkation"- means to enter the ship. Also called "embark"

“Port Side”- Left side of the ship when facing front

“Starboard Side”- Right side of the ship when facing front

A TYPICAL CRUISE COULD LOOK SOMETHING LIKE THIS:

7 DAY CARIBBEAN CRUISE:

Day 1: MIAMI (embark)(passengers arrive, and board the ship)

Day 2: SEA DAY

Day 3: NASSAU, BAHAMAS

day 4: ST. MAARTEN, VIRGIN ISLANDS

day 5: GRAND CAYMEN, CAYMEN ISLANDS

day 6: COZUMEL, MEXICO

Day 7: SEA DAY

THEN THE CRUISE REPEATS.

ARE CRUISES ONLY IN THE CARIBBEAN?

No, cruise ships go to destinations all over the globe. Through the year as the seasons change, ships change their positions. Typically during winter time most ships are in the Caribbean and South America. In the Summer many ships transition to places like Alaska, Europe, Asia and Australia.

DO I GET ANY DISCOUNTS ON CRUISES?

After completing your first contract you will be entitled to generous cruise discounts for yourself and your family.